Indian-origin public health scientists awarded South Africa's highest civilian honour, the Order of Mapungubwe

Key Facts

• Professors Salim Abdool Karim and Keertan Dheda, of Indian origin, received the Order of Mapungubwe on 20 May 2026 in Pretoria.
• The Order of Mapungubwe is South Africa's highest civilian honour, awarded by the President for exceptional achievements that benefit South Africa and the world.
• Professor Salim Abdool Karim was awarded the Gold class for his work in medical science and public health, focusing on HIV/AIDS and tuberculosis epidemiology and leadership during the COVID-19 pandemic.
• He is Director of the Centre for the AIDS Programme of Research in South Africa (CAPRISA) and professor at the University of KwaZulu-Natal.
• Professor Keertan Dheda received the Silver class for his research in pulmonology, including tuberculosis and drug-resistant respiratory infections, impacting clinical and public health practices.
• The Order is named after the ancient Mapungubwe Kingdom, located in present-day South Africa, known for its advanced state system, agriculture, metallurgy, and trade with regions as distant as China.

Background & Context

The Order of Mapungubwe was instituted in 2002 to recognise South African citizens whose achievements have international significance and advance the interests of South Africa. The award has four classes: Platinum, Gold, Silver, and Bronze, each reflecting different levels of excellence. The award's design incorporates symbols related to the Mapungubwe Kingdom, such as the gold rhino figurine and sceptres, representing the kingdom's historical wealth, craftsmanship, and scientific achievements.

Professors Karim and Dheda exemplify scientific excellence with global impact, particularly in public health challenges relevant to South Africa and beyond, including HIV/AIDS, tuberculosis, and respiratory diseases.

Why This Matters for Exams / Exam Relevance

Understanding the Order of Mapungubwe is important for syllabus components covering international awards, recognitions of Indian diaspora contributions, and South African history and honours. Awareness of prominent scientists like Professors Karim and Dheda also contributes to knowledge about global public health milestones. The connection to the Mapungubwe Kingdom ties history, archaeology, and cultural heritage to contemporary honour systems.

Points to Remember

• The Order of Mapungubwe is South Africa’s highest civilian honour, awarded by the President.
• It was established in 2002, named after the ancient Mapungubwe Kingdom, a UNESCO World Heritage Site symbolic of early advanced African societies.
• There are four classes: Platinum, Gold, Silver, and Bronze.
• Professor Salim Abdool Karim was awarded the Gold class in 2026 for his research on HIV/AIDS, tuberculosis, and COVID-19 leadership.
• Professor Keertan Dheda received the Silver class for his work on pulmonology and drug-resistant tuberculosis.
• CAPRISA stands for Centre for the AIDS Programme of Research in South Africa.